Block Dominoes Rules

How to Play the Classic No-Draw Game

Block Dominoes is one of the simplest and most traditional domino games. There’s no drawing from a boneyard, no extra accessories, and very little setup — just careful play and smart blocking.

If you want a pure dominoes experience that rewards tile management and foresight, Block Dominoes is a great place to start.

This guide explains Block Dominoes rules step by step, from setup to scoring.

What Is Block Dominoes?

Block Dominoes is a classic domino game where:

  • Players do not draw tiles during the game
  • If you can’t play, you pass
  • The round often ends in a block

The objective is to:

  • Get rid of all your dominoes, or
  • End the round with the lowest number of pips

If you’re new to dominoes overall, start with Dominoes Rules (General) for the basics.

What You Need to Play

To play Block Dominoes, you need:

  • A Double-6 domino set
  • A flat playing surface

That’s it — no boneyard drawing, no accessories.

👉 See Domino Sets Explained if you’re unsure about set sizes.

How Many Players Can Play?

Block Dominoes is usually played with:

  • 2 to 4 players

With more players, hands become smaller and rounds shorter.

Setup Instructions

  1. Shuffle the dominoes face down
  2. Each player draws 7 dominoes
  3. There is no boneyard — all tiles are dealt
  4. The player with the highest double starts

The starting tile is placed in the center of the table.

Basic Gameplay Rules

Players take turns clockwise.

On your turn:

  • Play one domino that matches an open end, or
  • Pass if you cannot play

There is no drawing in Block Dominoes.

Once you pass, your turn ends.

Passing and Blocking

Passing is a normal part of the game.

When:

  • All players pass consecutively
  • No legal moves remain

The game is considered blocked, and the round ends.

Blocking is not a failure — it’s a core strategy.

Ending a Round

A round ends when:

  • One player plays their last domino, or
  • The game becomes blocked

Both outcomes are equally valid.

Block Dominoes Scoring

Scoring is based on remaining pips.

If a player goes out:

  • That player wins the round
  • Opponents count the pips left in their hands
  • Those pips are awarded to the winner

If the game is blocked:

  • All players count remaining pips
  • The player with the lowest pip total wins
  • The difference between hands may be awarded as points (house rules vary)

👉 See Dominoes Scoring Explained for examples.

Strategy Basics for Block Dominoes

While this guide focuses on rules, a few fundamentals help beginners:

  • Pay attention to which numbers have been played
  • Avoid opening numbers you can’t support
  • Holding doubles late can be risky
  • Passing gives information to other players

Block Dominoes rewards observation more than speed.

Block Dominoes vs Draw Dominoes

Block Dominoes

  • No drawing
  • More passing
  • Strategic blocking

Draw Dominoes

  • Players draw until they can play
  • Fewer blocked games
  • More forgiving for beginners

If you prefer constant action, Draw Dominoes may suit you better.

Block Dominoes vs Mexican Train

Block Dominoes

  • Small groups
  • Minimal setup
  • Traditional feel

Mexican Train

  • Larger groups
  • Personal trains
  • More structured and social

👉 See Mexican Train Dominoes Rules if you’re playing with a group.

Final Thoughts

Block Dominoes strips the game down to its essentials.

There are no second chances from the boneyard — every tile you play (or don’t play) matters.

If you enjoy classic games that reward patience and awareness, Block Dominoes is a timeless choice.

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